this is a photograph that was featured in my most recent book, people pictures. its a portrait of a man who has been a mentor and who has had a lasting impact on my life. in many ways, this is one of the most important pictures i have made. i decided to post this picture today as a way to remind you to take photographs of the people that matter most to you.

i usually don't post other people's pictures on my blog, but i thought this was great exception! my good friend todd glaser (an amazing person and photographer) just sent me this photo he captured of me while i was shooting photos for the cover of my book visual poetry a few years ago. how interesting to have that perspective - thanks todd! to learn more about the book or to view the cover - click here.

one of the things that i like about being a part of brooks institute is that it is an environment that encourages people to take risks, experiment and to try out new ideas. the other day i decided to try working with kino flo lights. they provide a interesting continuous light source. i simply asked some of the student walking by to step in front of the camera and this is what i came up with. click on the image for a larger view and let me know what you think? do any of these work for you? my favorite is the "guy in the green shirt."

robert gupta is one of the most inspiring, kind and talented people i have ever met. he plays violin for the los angeles philharmonic and has given a powerful TED talk, "Music is Medicine, Music is Sanity."

i know i said i was going to take a break from posting, but these are so fun that i couldn't help it. each year we set out the cookies and our entire family sits down to decorate - its a really fun and tasty holiday tradition! be sure to take pictures of your own holiday traditions this year!

first and foremost, thanks for all the wonderful congratulations on the birth of elsie!! we are absolutely loving having her be part of our life - amazing!

next week (nov 11, 2011) i have the incredible privilege of giving a presentation at tedx! to learn more about the event click here. the theme for the conference is the spark within and my talk is titled, "finding the magnificent in the mundane". above is a quick iphone pick from when i was preparing my talk. i always find it helpful to start with journals, doodles and the written word. if you'd like to watch my previous tedx talk you can do so by clicking here.

if you are attending the conference, be sure to say hello. otherwise, i'll post a link to the video once it is live. until then, i could use all the good words and encouragement i can get!